Lighting arrangement for magnification device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a magnification device for use by blind and/or low vision individuals. The device includes an X-Y table upon which an item to be magnified can be placed. A stationary camera arm and a pivotal monitor arm are oriented over the X-Y table. The monitor arm includes a video monitor pivotally mounted at its distal end. The camera arm also includes two laterally disposed lighting arms. A series of controls are provided along a lower edge of the monitor via a mounting bracket.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to utilityapplication Ser. No. 13/013,215, filed Jan. 25, 2011, entitled “Retainerfor Electronic Magnification Device,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,854,442,issued Oct. 7, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 12/900,224 filed on Oct. 7, 2010, entitled “Electronic MagnificationDevice,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,854,441, issued Oct. 7, 2014, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/379,327 filed on Apr.19, 2006, entitled “Desktop Electronic Magnifier,” now U.S. Pat. No.7,929,013, issued Apr. 19, 2011, which claims priority to provisionalapplication Ser. No. 60/766,783, filed on Feb. 10, 2006. The contents ofall these applications are fully incorporated herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a magnification device. More particularly, theinvention relates to a retainer for an electronic magnifier.

Description of the Background Art

People with impaired vision have difficulty reading books, perceivingsmall objects, or seeing fine detail. Magnifying glasses have long beenused to enable the perception of small details which may otherwise bebelow the unaided resolution of an individual. Desktop electronicmagnifiers, sometimes referred to as closed circuit television devices(cctv), have now largely supplanted magnifying glasses. These devicesemploy a camera having CMOS technology for generating an enlarged ormagnified image of the object. The user is then able to view an enlargedimage of the object as it is displayed on a monitor.

An example of one such desktop electronic magnifier is disclosed in U.S.Pub. No. U.S. 2006/0203093 to Trulaske. Trulaske discloses a closedcircuit video magnification system, including a camera that is mountedover a table by way of an adjustable link. Trulaske also includes aseries of controls that are integral to the associated monitor.

Currently available desktop electronic magnifiers, such as Trulaske,have a number of limitations. One limitation is that existing magnifiersdo not provide sufficient lighting for cameras having larger fields ofview. As a result, existing magnifiers must utilize lower resolutioncameras. Another drawback is that with existing magnifiers there isinterference between the camera and monitor. This results in movement ofthe camera, which is problematic as the camera must regain focus and bereset to the selected magnification level. This interrupts viewing andresults in periods of blurriness. Still yet another drawback is thatexisting magnifiers use dedicated monitors, often with integrated andspecialized controls. This prevents the magnifier from being used withconventional displays and further makes repair and/or maintenanceproblematic.

A need therefore exists for an electronic magnifier with improvedlighting to accommodate larger fields of view. A need also exists for anelectronic magnifier without interference between the monitor and theassociated camera. It is an objective of the present electronicmagnifier to fulfill these and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An advantage provided by the magnifier of the present disclosure is theability to accommodate wider fields of view and higher resolutions viaan improved lighting arrangement.

Another advantage is realized by providing light sources that aremounted on a laterally disposed mounting arm.

The disclosed magnifier camera provides yet another advantage byproviding two independent mounting arms for the monitor and associatedcamera.

A further advantage is realized by providing a stationary camera and anadjustable monitor.

Another advantage is achieved by removably securing the monitor via amounting bracket to thereby permit the monitor to be easily replacedand/or repaired.

Various embodiments of the invention may have none, some, or all ofthese advantages. Other technical advantages of the present inventionwill be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the magnification device of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the magnification device of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the magnification device of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the magnification device of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the magnification device of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the table of the magnification device ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective of the magnification device with the monitor armpivoted with respect to the camera arm.

FIG. 8 is a perspective of the magnification device with the monitor armpivoted with respect to the camera arm.

FIGS. 9a-9b are cross sectional views of the camera arm utilized in thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the controls and self-view camera employedin the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a detailed view showing the lighting arrangement of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the underside of the camera housing ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 13(a) is a profile view of an alternative embodiment of a table forthe magnification device.

FIG. 13(b) is a top plan view of the table of FIG. 13(a).

FIG. 14(a) is a profile view of an alternative embodiment of a table forthe magnification device.

FIG. 14(b) is a top plan view of the table of FIG. 14(a).

FIG. 15(a) is a profile view of an alternative embodiment of a table forthe magnification device.

FIG. 15(b) is a top plan view of the table of FIG. 15(a).

FIG. 16(a) is a profile view of an alternative embodiment of a table forthe magnification device.

FIG. 16(b) is a top plan view of the table of FIG. 16(a).

FIG. 17 is a profile view of a removable retainer use in connection withthe table of the magnification device.

FIG. 18 is a profile view of a removable retainer for use in connectionwith the table of the magnification device.

FIG. 19(a) is a profile view of an alternative embodiment of a table forthe magnification device.

FIG. 19(b) is a top plan view of the table of FIG. 19(a).

FIG. 20(a) is a profile view of an alternative embodiment of a table forthe magnification device.

FIG. 20(b) is a top plan view of the table of FIG. 20(a).

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

PARTS LIST  10 Device  12 X-Y Table  14 Base  16 Forward Edge ofTable/Base  18 Rearward Edge of Table/Base  22 Side Edges of Table/Base 24 First Channels in Base  26 Second Channels in Base  28 Grips for X-YTable  32 Lock for X-Y Table  34 Raised Back Edge of Table  36 Channelin Table  38 Camera Arm  42 Camera Arm - Proximal End  44 Camera Arm -Distal End  46 Camera Arm - Intermediate Extent  48 Camera Arm - ForwardSurface  52 Camera Arm - Rearward Surface  54 Access Opening  56 Channelin Camera Arm  58 Camera Housing  62 Camera Housing - Forward End  64Camera Housing - Rearward End  66 Camera Housing - Aperture Opening  68Camera  72 Monitor  74 Monitor Arm  76 Monitor Bracket  78 Monitor Arm -Proximal End  82 Monitor Arm - Distal End  84 Monitor Arm - IntermediateExtent  86 Hinge Assembly  88 Swivel Mount for Monitor  92 BalancingSpring  94 Proximal End Cap  96 Distal End Cap  98 Mounting Screw forDistal End Cap 102 Tensioning Screw 104 Linkage 106 Rotatable Bearing108 Control Panel 112(a), (b), (c) Controls 114 Rotatable Outer Knob 116Push Button 118 Self View Camera 120 Wheels on Control Panel 122Lighting Arm 124 Lights 126 SD Card Slot

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

This disclosure relates to a magnification device for use by blindand/or low vision individuals. The device includes an X-Y table uponwhich an item to be magnified can be placed. A stationary camera arm anda pivotal monitor arm are oriented over the X-Y table. The monitor armincludes a video monitor pivotally mounted at its distal end. The cameraarm also includes a laterally disposed lighting arm. A series ofcontrols are provided along a lower edge of the monitor via a mountingbracket. The various details of the present disclosure, and the mannerin which they interrelate, will be described in greater detailhereinafter.

Device 10 includes an X-Y table 12 that is adjustably mounted to anunderlying base 14. Both table 12 and base 14 are defined by forward andrearward edges (16 and 18, respectively) and a pair of side edges 22.Rubber or elastic feet may be positioned on the bottom surface of thebase to avoid marring the supporting surface. Two pairs of channels areformed with the base. These channels include a first pair of channels 24which extend between the side edges of base 14 and a second pair ofchannels 26 that extend between the forward and rearward edges of base14. X-Y table 12 includes rails that fit into the channels (24 and 26)and thereby permit adjustment in the X and Y orientations.

X-Y table 12 also includes a forward edge with grip areas 28 forpermitting the user to manipulate table 12 with respect to base 14.Table 12 also includes a centrally disposed lock 32. Lock 32 has twoorientations. In the first orientation, table 12 is fixed with respectto base 14; in the second orientation, the user can move table 12 in theX and Y orientations with respect to base 14.

Table 12 includes a number of features to allow items to be convenientlyand safely positioned for viewing. For instance, a raised back edge 34is included for preventing items from falling off the rearward edge 18of table 12. A centrally disposed arcuate channel 36 is also includedadjacent the back edge 18. Channel 36 is preferably formed as anindentation with the upper surface of table 12. Channel 36 allowscylindrical objects to be conveniently oriented on table 12 forinspection. Channel 36 is ideally suited for the secure placement ofprescription pill bottles. This permits the bottles to be securedagainst rotation and properly oriented to permit magnification ofrelevant text. Although the depicted channel 36 preferred, otherarrangements can likewise be employed. For instance, instead of anindented channel 36, upstanding ridges can be formed within surface oftable 12. These ridges could be positioned at any location upon table 12and would similarly function to retain cylindrical objects.

The camera arm 38 of device 10 is described next. Arm 38 extends from,and is integral with, the rearward edge 18 of base 14. Camera arm 38 isdefined by a proximal end 42, a distal end 44, and an intermediateextent 46 as well as forward and rearward surfaces (48 and 52,respectively). Although arm 38 is disclosed as being arcuate, it canlikewise be formed from other shapes and/or configurations. The proximalend 42 extends upwardly from the rearward edge 18 of base 14 and thedistal end 44 extends over top of table 12. As noted in the figures, thedistal most end curves downward to avoid interfering with the arm thatsupports the associated monitor. Camera arm 38 further includes anaccess opening 54 within its intermediate extent 46.

This access opening 54 permits users to access the power outlets,electrical connectors, and computer ports associated with the camerapositioned within an associated camera housing. The cabling coupled tothe camera and through the access opening 54 can be routed through achannel 56 positioned within the rearward surface 52 of camera arm 42.Cable clips, or other fastening mechanisms, can be positioned withinchannel 56 to allow a user to appropriately secure the cabling.

The camera housing 58 of the device is next described. The camerahousing has a generally rectangular configuration with both forward andrearward ends (62 and 64, respectively). An aperture opening 66 isdisposed on a bottom face of the camera housing. This opening is adaptedfor registration with the lens of a camera via a mirror supported withinhousing 58. The rearward end 64 of the housing is adapted to be receivedwithin access opening 54 of camera arm 38 and further secured by screwsor fasteners. When properly oriented, camera housing 58 is secured tothe distal end 44 of the camera arm upon its forward surface 48. Theaperture opening 66 is also centrally oriented over table 14. Thispermits the associated camera to view and focus upon objects positionedupon the table. Camera 68 ideally has a resolution and field of viewsufficient to view the entire surface of table 12. In the preferredembodiment, the resolution of camera 68 is 768 pixel columns by 494pixel rows. The resolution, magnification, and position of camera 68yields a much larger field of view than existing magnifiers. In theillustrated embodiment, the field of view is approximately 9.0 incheswide and 7.0 inches long. This, in turn, dramatically increases thenumber of objects that can be viewed with the magnifier.

Objects viewed by camera 68 are displayed upon the associated monitor72. Monitor 72, in turn, is secured to a monitor arm 74 via a monitorbracket 76. Monitor arm 74 includes both a proximal end 78 and distalend 82 and an intermediate extent 84 therebetween. Proximal end 78 ofmonitor arm 74 is pivotally secured to the intermediate extent 46 ofcamera arm 38 via hinge assembly 86. Hinge assembly 86 permits cameraarm 38 to both pivot and rotate with respect to the underlying cameraarm 38. A pin 86(a) can be provided to lock arm against rotation. Hingeassembly 86 is preferably positioned at a location that is above accessopening 54. The distal end 44 of camera arm 38 includes a swivel mount88 to which the monitor bracket 76 is secured. Monitor, 72 in turn, issecured to monitor bracket 76 in a conventional fashion via removablefasteners.

A video cable, which in the preferred embodiment is an HDMI cable,extends from an HDMI output 68(a) on camera 68, through camera housing58, through the inside of monitor arm 74 and to an input on monitor 72to thereby provide a video feed from camera 68 to the monitor 72. Byrouting cables through arm 74, an uncluttered appearance is presented.Although an HDMI cable is preferred, other types of connections can beused, such as S-video cable, component cables, or VGA cables. Camera 68also includes a USB output 68(b), which can be used to feed live videofrom camera 68 to a personal computer (PC). This would permit objects ontable 12 to be viewed on the PC. Additionally, the PC can includesoftware to replicate the functionality provided by controls 112 and120. Camera 68 likewise includes a VGA input 68(c). This allows theoutput from a PC to be viewed on monitor 72 of the magnification device10.

Additionally, the VGA input 68(c) can be used in conjunction with USBoutput 68(b) to permit side-by-side viewing of objects. Namely, objectson table 12 would be viewed by camera 68 and displayed on the PC monitorvia the USB output 68(c) and cable. Again, the functionality of thecontrol panel 108 could be replicated by software running on the PC. Thesoftware could add still yet other functionality to modify the displayedimage. Thereafter, this image could be display on monitor 72 by routinga video cable between the PC and the VGA input 68(c). This would permitside by side viewing of the object via two monitors.

A counter balancing spring 92 is operatively mounted within monitor arm74 and assists a user in raising or lowering monitor 72 and monitor arm74. Spring 92 is mounted between proximal and distal end caps (94 and96, respectively). The distal end cap 96 is threaded about a mountingscrew 98. A tensioning screw 102 can be used to rotate mounting screw 98and, thereby, position the distal end cap 96 to either compress oruncompress balancing screw 92. In this manner, tensioning screw 102 canbe used to set the proper spring tension depending upon the size andweight of the attached monitor 72. The proximal end cap 94 is connectedto a linkage 104 via a rotatable bearing 106. The opposite end oflinkage 104 is pivotally connected to hinge assembly 86. The proximalend 78 of monitor arm 74 is likewise pivotally connected to hingeassembly 86 to thereby create a three bar linkage.

When in the fully lowered position of FIG. 9(a), spring 92 iscompressed. When in the fully raised position of FIG. 9(b), spring 92 isfully extended. Between this two positions, spring 92 is un-tensioned.Thus, the spring force is used to compensate for the weight of monitor72. Moreover, such movement is achieved without disturbing or otherwiseinterfering with the position of camera 68.

Monitor bracket 76 includes a control panel 108 along its lower edge.This control panel 108 ideally includes three individual controls 112 onits forward face. Each of these controls 112(a), 112(b), 112(c)comprises a rotatable outer knob 114 and a centrally positioned pushbutton 116. In each instance, the rotatable outer knob 114 is separatefrom and operates independent of the center push button 116.Accordingly, outer knob 114 does not operate as a push button, and pushbutton 116 does not operate as a rotatable knob. This eliminates, orgreatly reduces, the inadvertent operation of the controls.

First control 112(a) may, for instance, include a rotatable outer knob114(a) that regulates the brightness of monitor 72 and a center pushbutton 116(a) to turn off/on the lighting. Second control 112(b) mayincluding an outer rotatable knob 112(b) for magnification and a centerpush button 116(b) for freeze frame. Third control 112(c) may include arotatable outer knob 114(c) for cycling between various color schemesand a push button 116(c) for operating an associated self-view camera118. As illustrated, self-view camera 118 can be positioned along anupper edge of monitor 72. This camera 118 allows a user to see close upimages of their face, as may be needed for grooming.

In the preferred embodiment, two additional controls 120 are likewiseincluded along the bottom edge of control panel 108 (note FIG. 8).Controls 120 are operatively coupled to control panel 108 and can beremoved by replacing panel 108. These controls 120 are wheels that caneither be rotated or pushed to achieve two different control functions.One of the controls 120 is ideally suited to operate a highlightingfeature. This feature allows one or more individual lines of textualmaterial on the screen to be displayed in a different color, or shade,from the remaining items on the screen. The remaining control 120 isideally suited to operate a blinds feature. With this feature, all areason the screen are blocked or darkened relative to one or more lines oftext. Both the highlighting and blinds feature can be operated byrotating and/or pushing controls 120. Other control function canlikewise be assigned to controls 120. A memory card slot 126 is alsoprovided along the bottom edge of control panel 108. This slot can beadapted to receive, for example, SD memory cards. Slot 126 permitssoftware updates to be provided to the operating system. It may alsopermit still images from camera 68 to be downloaded and stored.

Appropriate lighting for the entire surface of table 12 is provided by alaterally extending light bridge, or lighting arm 122. The central partof arm 122 is secured to the intermediate extent 46 of camera arm 38(note FIG. 2). Arm 122 extends at some distance to either side of cameraarm 38. The distal ends of arm 122 include housings for supporting alight source, such as a light emitting diode (LED). Lighting arm 122 isorientated at an angle with respect to table 12 to avoid the reflectlight from entering camera 68 and causing wash-out. This insuresappropriate lighting for objects placed on table 12 and facilitates alarger field of view of the camera. In the preferred embodiment, thecenter line of the light emanating from the LED impacts at an angle αwith respect to the surface of table 12 (note FIG. 8). In the preferredembodiment, this angle is approximately 45.5°. Although the lighting canbe orientated at other angles, it has been found that this angleprovides optimal lighting for the field of view provided by camera 68.

Alternative Embodiments for Desktop Retainer

A number of alternative embodiments for the desktop retainer areillustrated in connection with FIGS. 13-20. These various embodimentsare the same in most respects to the primary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-12. However, in these alternative embodiments differentretaining means have been included on the upper surface of the x-y table12. These retaining means permit objects to be held on the surface oftable 12 without sliding or rolling. This, in turn, permits the user tokeep both hands free during viewing.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 13(a)-13(b), a series of ridges 130 areformed within the x-y table. These ridges 130, or upwardly extendingprotuberances, extend from the front edge to the back edge of table 12.A total of 20 ridges are included that span the entire width of table12. FIG. 13(a) illustrates that these ridges 130 have an arcuatecross-section. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 14(a)-14(b), otherridges 132 can be employed that have an angled cross-section. Theseembodiments have the benefit of allowing the user to retain an objectbetween a pair of protrusions at a number of locations on the x-y table.

The embodiment of FIGS. 15(a)-15(b) includes a single v-shaped recess134 formed within the surface of the x-y table. Unlike the embodiment ofFIGS. 13-14, these recess 134 does not extent between the front and backedges. Instead, recess 134 extends only a small distance from the backedge. The length of recess 134 is generally sufficient to hold smallercylindrical objects, such as pill bottles. In the embodiment of FIG.16(a)-16(b), a curved, or arcuate, recess 136 is used in lieu of anangled recess.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 17-18, the retainer (138 or 142) is formed asa separate piece that can be placed anywhere on the surface of theotherwise flat x-y table. This separate retainer can include eitherarcuate (138) or angled (142) protrusions. These embodiments have theadded benefit of allowing a user to position the retained objectanywhere on the surface of x-y table. These embodiments also permit theretainer to be removed such that the entire surface of the table 12 tobe used for situations where no retainer is needed.

Still yet other embodiments are disclosed in FIGS. 19 and 20. In theseembodiments, two spaced protrusions are included that extend outwardlyfrom the upper surface of table 12. In each case, the protrusions extendfully from the front to the back edge of the table 12. In the embodimentof FIG. 19, these protuberances 144 are angled. In the embodiment ofFIG. 20, these protuberances 146 are arcuate. However, unlike theembodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14, only one set of protrusions areincluded. Ideally, the pair of protrusions are centered upon the x-ytable.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims,as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this inventionhas been described in its preferred form with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of thepreferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerouschanges in the details of construction and the combination andarrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnification device with a lightingarrangement that increases field of view and decreases wash-out, themagnification device comprising: a table with a planar surfacesupporting an object to be magnified; a curved camera arm having adistal end, a proximal end, and an intermediate extent therebetween, acamera supported along the camera arm for viewing and magnifying theobject, the camera arm defined by a central axis and being fixedrelative to the table, whereby the camera is maintained at a pre-defineddistance above the object; a cantilevered monitor arm having a distalend, a proximal end, and an intermediate extent therebetween, a paneldisplay pivotally secured to the distal end of the monitor arm, a hingeassembly rotatably interconnecting the proximal end of the monitor armto the intermediate extent the camera arm, the hinge assembly permittingthe monitor arm to move to either side of the central axis to assist inviewing the object upon the display; a control panel detachably securedto the display, the control panel including controls for varying thedegree of camera magnification; a lighting arm secured along the lengthof the camera arm at a position proximal to the hinge assembly, thelighting arm including opposing ends, each of the opposing endsextending laterally of the central axis; a light emitting diode (LED)positioned at each of the opposing ends of the lighting arm, the lightemanating from the LEDs being angled with respect to the planar surface,wherein the angle between the emanating light and the planar surface is45.5°.
 2. A magnification device that increases field of view anddecreases wash-out comprising: a table with a planar surface supportingan object to be magnified; a camera arm having a distal end, a proximalend, and an intermediate extent therebetween, having a camera supportedalong the camera arm for viewing and magnifying the object; a monitorarm having a panel display pivotally secured to a distal end, themonitor arm being rotatably connected to an intermediate extent thecamera arm, the connection permitting the monitor arm to move to eitherside of camera arm to assist in viewing the object upon the display; acontrol panel secured to the display, the control panel includingcontrols for varying the degree of camera magnification; a lighting armsecured along the length of the camera arm at a position proximal to ahinge assembly interconnecting the camera arm and the monitor arm, thelighting arm including opposing ends, each of the opposing endsextending laterally of the camera arm; a light source positioned at eachof the opposing ends of the lighting arm, the light emanating from thelight sources being angled with respect to the planar surface.
 3. Themagnification device as described in claim 2 wherein the angle betweenthe emanating light and the planar surface is 45.5°.
 4. Themagnification device as described in claim 2 wherein the angle betweenthe emanating light and the planar surface is less than 90°.
 5. Themagnification device as described in claim 2 wherein the camera arm isdefined by a central axis and wherein the monitor arm can be positionedon either side of the central axis.
 6. The magnification device asdescribed in claim 2 wherein the camera arm is fixed relative to thetable, whereby the camera is maintained at a pre-defined distance abovethe object.
 7. The magnification device as described in claim 2 whereinthe lighting arm is angled with respect to the planar surface.
 8. Themagnification device as described in claim 2 wherein the monitor arm canbe vertically adjusted relative to the camera arm.
 9. A magnificationdevice comprising: a table with a planar surface supporting an object tobe magnified; a camera arm having a distal end, a proximal end, and anintermediate extent therebetween, having a camera supported along thecamera arm for viewing and magnifying the object; a monitor arm having apanel display pivotally secured to a distal end, the monitor arm beingconnected to an intermediate extent the camera arm via a hinge, thehinge permitting the side to side and vertical movement of the monitorarm relative to the camera arm; a control panel detachably secured tothe display, the control panel including controls for varying the degreeof camera magnification; and a lighting arm secured along the length ofthe camera arm, the lighting arm including opposing ends, each of theopposing ends extending laterally of the camera arm and supporting alight source, the light sources indirectly lighting the object to bemagnified.